Highfield Nursery School

Overview

Highfield Nursery School maintains its ‘good’ overall judgement, with evidence suggesting it could achieve ‘outstanding’ if a graded inspection were conducted. The report highlights that children make an ‘exceptional start to education’ within a setting defined by ‘kindness and quiet determination’. Leaders and staff demonstrate a ‘relentless commitment to enriching children’s lives’, ensuring every child thrives through high expectations and tailored support.

Strengths

• Staff are ‘well-trained and incredibly skilled in child development’, carefully adapting teaching methods to fill learning gaps and support English as an additional language.
• The provision for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities is described as ‘exemplary’, with precise partnerships overcoming barriers to success.
• An ‘exciting and well-considered environment’ enriches learning through diverse experiences such as forest school, gardening, and visits from artists.
• Relationships are ‘encouraging, supportive and ambitious’, resulting in behaviour that is ‘calm, respectful and highly purposeful’.
• Attendance is high, supported by staff who are ‘tenacious in checking when children do not attend enough’ and follow up quickly.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.